Wade Phillips makes Texans’ defensive deficiencies vanish

If Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips does not win the NFL assistant coach of the year award, there should be an investigation.

What Phillips and his defensive assistants have accomplished this season is no big deal to Phillips because he has been accustomed to having one of the NFL’s best defenses. But to the Texans and their loyal fans who waited 10 years to reach the playoffs, Phillips was a godsend for a team desperate to improve its defense.

In his first season with the Texans, Phillips has played a huge role in helping the team finish 10-6, win the AFC South and host Cincinnati in today’s wild-card playoff game.

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Wade has done a great job,” coach Gary Kubiak said. “I can’t say enough about how much he’s meant to this team and our success this season.”

After the Texans finished 6-10 in Kubiak’s fifth season and missed the playoffs again, he fired defensive coordinator Frank Bush, linebackers coach Johnny Holland and secondary coach David Gibbs.

The Texans were 30th (376.9 yards) in defense, including 13th (109.4) against the run and 32nd (267.5) against the pass. The defense blew five fourth-quarter leads, and Bush became the second defensive coordinator Kubiak fired in five seasons.

Owner Bob McNair didn’t fire Kubiak but did suggest he hire a veteran defensive coordinator with a proven track record. Phillips, who had been fired as the Dallas Cowboys’ head coach, was available.

From top to bottom

The Texans’ defensive turnaround has been almost unbelievable. It started with the hiring of Phillips, linebackers coach Reggie Herring and secondary coach Vance Joseph. It continued when general manager Rick Smith signed cornerback Johnathan Joseph and free safety Danieal Manning in free agency and used the first five draft choices, including tackle J.J. Watt and outside linebacker Brooks Reed, on defense.

Phillips also benefited from the return of outside linebackers Mario Williams and Connor Barwin, both of whom switched from defensive end in the 4-3, after season-ending injuries.

The Texans began the 2010 season with a 4-2 record, but then they lost middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans for the season. He also returned this season.

Under Phillips, the defense made a smooth transition from a 4-3 to a 3-4, despite the lockout that cost them time together.

“Wade’s pretty low- key, and he has a way of making it simple where everyone can understand exactly what he wants,” Ryans said.

It didn’t take long for the defense to make up for lost time. Nine times during the season, the Texans allowed 14 or fewer points. The Texans finished second overall (285.7 yards), including fourth (96) against the run and third (189.7) against the pass.

“Wade is as good as I’ve seen at breaking down protection schemes,” Kubiak said. “He does a great job of creating mismatches, too.”

The improvement of the pass defense from 32nd to third was astonishing. An improved pass rush, led by Barwin’s team-leading 11½ sacks, helped the defensive backs. The Texans finished with 44 sacks, an increase from 30.

Williams, who led the team with five sacks in five games, suffered a season-ending injury to his pectoral muscle, but Reed, the second-round pick, has done a nice job of replacing him.

<strong>50. T.J. Yates’ parents given terrible seats in Cincinnati</strong><br>
Luckily, nobody goes to Bengals games even with the team playoff-bound, so <a href="http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2011/12/texans-qb-yates-parents-have-terrible-seats-in-cincinnati/">Ma and Pa Quarterback</a> were able to move down. less

<strong>50. T.J. Yates’ parents given terrible seats in Cincinnati</strong><br>
Luckily, nobody goes to Bengals games even with the team playoff-bound, so <a ... more

<strong>46. Jags call the Texans dirty</strong><br>
"I have no respect for them at all." - Terrance Knighton after claiming to have had his head stomped.

<strong>46. Jags call the Texans dirty</strong><br>
"I have no respect for them at all." - Terrance Knighton after claiming to have had his head stomped.

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<strong>45. Albert Haynesworth comments after ending Matt Schaub’s season</strong><br>
“You know me; I love to hit Schaub. It was on the goal line. He actually screamed like normal in the pile.” less

<strong>45. Albert Haynesworth comments after ending Matt Schaub’s season</strong><br>
“You know me; I love to hit Schaub. It was on the goal line. He actually screamed like normal in the ... more

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<strong>44. T.J. Yates' fumble (after replay) against Falcons</strong><br>
The injuries seem to catch up finally to the Texans who were working on a five-game win streak with different bodies going down each week. less

<strong>44. T.J. Yates' fumble (after replay) against Falcons</strong><br>
The injuries seem to catch up finally to the Texans who were working on a five-game win streak with different bodies going down each ... more

<strong>43. Signings of Jake Delhomme, Jeff Garcia</strong><br>
That's what the season has come down to. Actually, calls for Delhomme to start are what the season's come down to.

<strong>43. Signings of Jake Delhomme, Jeff Garcia</strong><br>
That's what the season has come down to. Actually, calls for Delhomme to start are what the season's come down to.

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<strong>42. Texans fans Super Bowl tattoo</strong><br><br>Chris Brown proved he was a dedicated Texans fan by getting a Super Bowl tattoo -- in November. Despite the Texans' season ending two games shy of the title, <a href="http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2012/01/texans-super-bowl-tattoo-guy-has-no-regrets/"><strong>he had no regrets.</a></strong> less

<strong>42. Texans fans Super Bowl tattoo</strong><br><br>Chris Brown proved he was a dedicated Texans fan by getting a Super Bowl tattoo -- in November. Despite the Texans' season ending two games shy of the ... more

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<strong>41. 80-yard touchdown pass from Matt Schaub to Jacoby Jones against Bucs</strong><br>
When you're on a roll and desperate to avoid a letdown, this isn't a bad call for the first play of the game. less

<strong>41. 80-yard touchdown pass from Matt Schaub to Jacoby Jones against Bucs</strong><br>
When you're on a roll and desperate to avoid a letdown, this isn't a bad call for the first play of the ... more

<strong>37. Danieal Manning lost to broken fibula against Titans</strong><br>
"Next man up" would be only temporary as the tough safety and special teamer made a quick recovery to return five weeks later. less

<strong>37. Danieal Manning lost to broken fibula against Titans</strong><br>
"Next man up" would be only temporary as the tough safety and special teamer made a quick recovery to return five weeks ... more

<strong>35. Arian Foster preseason injury leads controversy</strong><br>
Foretelling a season-long medical drama, the star running back injured his hamstring, then drew national attention when he tweeted a picture of his MRI. less

<strong>35. Arian Foster preseason injury leads controversy</strong><br>
Foretelling a season-long medical drama, the star running back injured his hamstring, then drew national attention when he tweeted a ... more

Photo: 2011 Getty Images

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<strong>34. Down another: Matt Leinart knocked out</strong><br>
A broken collarbone ended the lefty backup's season just one game in, and it was onto the next one: T.J. Yates.

<strong>34. Down another: Matt Leinart knocked out</strong><br>
A broken collarbone ended the lefty backup's season just one game in, and it was onto the next one: T.J. Yates.

<strong>33. T.J. Yates hurt in finale, still named playoff starter</strong><br>
Here we go again. A separated shoulder brings in the Texans’ fourth-string quarterback, Jake Delhomme, who was retired at the beginning of the season. Yates, though, will be healthy for the playoffs. less

<strong>33. T.J. Yates hurt in finale, still named playoff starter</strong><br>
Here we go again. A separated shoulder brings in the Texans’ fourth-string quarterback, Jake Delhomme, who was retired at the ... more

<strong>32. Matt Schaub's rushing redemption against Jags</strong><br>
Cam Newton he is not, but after the failure of the last play against the Raiders, to see him drop back to the 10 and cruise in for a 2-yard score was encouraging. less

<strong>32. Matt Schaub's rushing redemption against Jags</strong><br>
Cam Newton he is not, but after the failure of the last play against the Raiders, to see him drop back to the 10 and cruise in for a ... more

<strong>31. Drafting of J.J. Watt</strong><br>
The Texans didn't fool anyone by going defense first, but seem to be redeemed in their leaving other top options on the board as Watt notched 5.5 sacks, 56 tackles and was a disruptive force. less

<strong>31. Drafting of J.J. Watt</strong><br>
The Texans didn't fool anyone by going defense first, but seem to be redeemed in their leaving other top options on the board as Watt notched 5.5 sacks, 56 ... more

<strong>30. Leaving Ben Roethlisberger in a boot</strong><br>
Wade Phillips' defense, at times this season ranked No. 1 in the league, was merciless on the two-time Super Bowl champion, sending him back East limping. less

<strong>30. Leaving Ben Roethlisberger in a boot</strong><br>
Wade Phillips' defense, at times this season ranked No. 1 in the league, was merciless on the two-time Super Bowl champion, sending him back East ... more

<strong>29. Connor Barwin turns momentum with forced fumble against Bengals</strong><br>
The Texans had snoozed through the first half of the potential clincher until the University of Cincinnati product rocked Andy Dalton to set the stage for a comeback. less

<strong>29. Connor Barwin turns momentum with forced fumble against Bengals</strong><br>
The Texans had snoozed through the first half of the potential clincher until the University of Cincinnati product ... more

Photo: 2011 Getty Images

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<strong>28. Arian Foster, Johnathan Joseph Pro Bowlers; Brian Cushing snubbed</strong><br>
“They don’t see how many plays (Cushing) makes that are unseen, unless you put the camera on it, slow it down and go in slow motion." - Wade Phillips less

<strong>28. Arian Foster, Johnathan Joseph Pro Bowlers; Brian Cushing snubbed</strong><br>
“They don’t see how many plays (Cushing) makes that are unseen, unless you put the camera on it, slow it down and ... more

<strong>26. Defense sets the tone</strong><br>
J.J. Watt and Co. gave a taste of the what the rest of the season was going to be like, shutting out the Colts for three quarters in the season opener and allowing only a meaningless touchdown. less

<strong>26. Defense sets the tone</strong><br>
J.J. Watt and Co. gave a taste of the what the rest of the season was going to be like, shutting out the Colts for three quarters in the season opener and ... more

<strong>25. Jeremy Shockey’s comments on patriotism</strong><br>
The mouthy Panthers tight end was particularly glad to beat the Texans since some didn't have their hands over their hearts for the anthem. less

<strong>25. Jeremy Shockey’s comments on patriotism</strong><br>
The mouthy Panthers tight end was particularly glad to beat the Texans since some didn't have their hands over their hearts for the ... more

Photo: 2011 Getty Images

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<strong>24. Jacksonville QB Blaine Gabbert’s f-bomb, taunting Cushing</strong><br>
Gabbert was 23-for-&@*#-59 with one &@*# touchdown and three &@*# interceptions against the Texans this year. <a href="http://blog.chron.com/sportsupdate/2011/10/cbs-microphones-catch-jaguars-qb-blaine-gabbert-cursing-at-brian-cushing/">Watch the incident. Warning, yes, there is bad language.</a> less

<strong>24. Jacksonville QB Blaine Gabbert’s f-bomb, taunting Cushing</strong><br>
Gabbert was 23-for-&@*#-59 with one &@*# touchdown and three &@*# interceptions against the Texans this year. <a ... more

<strong>23. Arian's big drive, day</strong><br>Arian Foster recorded 54 of his 132 rushing yards on one scoring drive as the Texans pulled within 17-13 in their eventual 20-13 loss to Baltimore in the AFC divisional playoff game. Foster also had an incredible 12-yard one-handed completion on third down to extend the drive. less

<strong>23. Arian's big drive, day</strong><br>Arian Foster recorded 54 of his 132 rushing yards on one scoring drive as the Texans pulled within 17-13 in their eventual 20-13 loss to Baltimore in the AFC ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<strong>22. Wade Phillips undergoes kidney and gallbladder surgery</strong><br>
He would miss two games, both losses for the Texans, before returning for the finale in good health.

<strong>22. Wade Phillips undergoes kidney and gallbladder surgery</strong><br>
He would miss two games, both losses for the Texans, before returning for the finale in good health.

<strong>21. Colts' final drive leads to embarrassing loss</strong><br>
Former Texan Dan Orlovsky leads the Colts on a 78-yard march, all but ending the Texans' hopes of a bye in infuriating fashion complete with missed plays and questionable calls. less

<strong>21. Colts' final drive leads to embarrassing loss</strong><br>
Former Texan Dan Orlovsky leads the Colts on a 78-yard march, all but ending the Texans' hopes of a bye in infuriating fashion complete ... more

<strong>20. Raiders intercept Schaub in final seconds with 10 players on field</strong><br>
Failure to convert on the power play resulted in the Texans' worst loss of the significant part of their season (pre-clinching). less

<strong>20. Raiders intercept Schaub in final seconds with 10 players on field</strong><br>
Failure to convert on the power play resulted in the Texans' worst loss of the significant part of their season ... more

<strong>19. Mario Williams hurt against Raiders</strong><br>
The season of injuries gets worse with the torn pectoral muscle that ends the former No. 1 pick's season. Next man up? The solid rookie Brooks Reed. less

<strong>19. Mario Williams hurt against Raiders</strong><br>
The season of injuries gets worse with the torn pectoral muscle that ends the former No. 1 pick's season. Next man up? The solid rookie Brooks ... more

<strong>18. Arian Foster clinches the playoff win</strong><br><br>The Texans already were on the way to a victory in the first playoff game in team history. <a href="http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2012/01/bengals-see-a-different-arian-foster/">But Arian Foster's brilliant 42-yard touchdown run sealed the deal.</a> less

<strong>18. Arian Foster clinches the playoff win</strong><br><br>The Texans already were on the way to a victory in the first playoff game in team history. <a ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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<strong>17. A 19-play, 85-yard game-winning drive against Falcons</strong><br>
The beginning of the T.J. Yates heroic tale culminates in an Arian Foster go-ahed TD with 10 minutes to play.

<strong>17. A 19-play, 85-yard game-winning drive against Falcons</strong><br>
The beginning of the T.J. Yates heroic tale culminates in an Arian Foster go-ahed TD with 10 minutes to play.

<strong>16. Acquisition of Johnathan Joseph</strong><br>
Not landing Nnamdi Asomugha turned into a blessing as they signed this Pro Bowl corner and safety Danieal Manning in their much-needed secondary overhaul. less

<strong>16. Acquisition of Johnathan Joseph</strong><br>
Not landing Nnamdi Asomugha turned into a blessing as they signed this Pro Bowl corner and safety Danieal Manning in their much-needed secondary ... more

<strong>15. Fans waiting at Reliant Stadium as team returns from Cincinnati win</strong><br>
They came by the thousands to greet their team after the AFC South clincher. Can you imagine the reception for some January or even February heroics? less

<strong>15. Fans waiting at Reliant Stadium as team returns from Cincinnati win</strong><br>
They came by the thousands to greet their team after the AFC South clincher. Can you imagine the reception for some ... more

<strong>14. Brian Cushing’s bloody face against Browns after the cheap shot</strong><br>
If any photo tells the story of the Texans' year on defense, it's this one of the tough-guy linebacker after he had a helmetless exchange with a helmeted Shawn Lauvao. less

<strong>14. Brian Cushing’s bloody face against Browns after the cheap shot</strong><br>
If any photo tells the story of the Texans' year on defense, it's this one of the tough-guy linebacker after he had a ... more

<strong>13. Andre Johnson crumbles to the grass</strong><br>
He would miss nine games when it was all done with injuries to both hamstrings, and it started with no contact and just a bad step on the Reliant grass against the Steelers. less

<strong>13. Andre Johnson crumbles to the grass</strong><br>
He would miss nine games when it was all done with injuries to both hamstrings, and it started with no contact and just a bad step on the Reliant ... more

<strong>12. Andre Johnson returns against Falcons, hurts other leg</strong><br>
Man has two hamstrings for a reason, but unfortunately for Johnson, he has now injured both this year. He'd be rested until a cameo in Week 17. less

<strong>12. Andre Johnson returns against Falcons, hurts other leg</strong><br>
Man has two hamstrings for a reason, but unfortunately for Johnson, he has now injured both this year. He'd be rested until a ... more

<strong>11. The end</strong><br>Baltimore's free safety Ed Reed intercepted a T.J. Yates pass intended for Andre Johnson in the final minutes to seal the Ravens' 20-13 victory over Houston in the AFC divisional playoff game. less

<strong>11. The end</strong><br>Baltimore's free safety Ed Reed intercepted a T.J. Yates pass intended for Andre Johnson in the final minutes to seal the Ravens' 20-13 victory over Houston in the AFC ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<strong>10. Win over Titans solidifies first-place standing</strong><br>
The 41-7 road victory put the Texans a game and a half up with a favorable schedule and a head start on the tiebreaker. As good as sealed at that point. less

<strong>10. Win over Titans solidifies first-place standing</strong><br>
The 41-7 road victory put the Texans a game and a half up with a favorable schedule and a head start on the tiebreaker. As good as ... more

<strong>9. Andre Johnson's first playoff TD</strong><br><br>Houston Texans icon Andre Johnson had waited a long, long time to score his first playoff touchdown. And the 40-yard score gave the Texans breathing room en route to a 31-10 victory over Cincinnati. Watch it <a href="http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2012/01/johnson-shakes-off-subpar-first-half-scores-touchdown-in-playoff-debut/">here.</a> less

<strong>9. Andre Johnson's first playoff TD</strong><br><br>Houston Texans icon Andre Johnson had waited a long, long time to score his first playoff touchdown. And the 40-yard score gave the Texans breathing ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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<strong>8. Peyton Manning's third neck surgery in a year and a half</strong><br>
It made the AFC South vulnerable to be taken and the Texans arguably the favorite from Week 1.

<strong>8. Peyton Manning's third neck surgery in a year and a half</strong><br>
It made the AFC South vulnerable to be taken and the Texans arguably the favorite from Week 1.

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<strong>7. Matt Schaub's lisfranc injury ends season</strong><br>
And a city all too familiar with the geography of the foot from Yao's too-short career gets another lesson.

<strong>7. Matt Schaub's lisfranc injury ends season</strong><br>
And a city all too familiar with the geography of the foot from Yao's too-short career gets another lesson.

<strong>6. Decision to keep Gary Kubiak</strong><br>
He was 37-43 in his five years and the Texans had gotten pretty good at doing just enough in September to save his job. Immense amount of faith shown by Bob McNair to get the Texans to this point. less

<strong>6. Decision to keep Gary Kubiak</strong><br>
He was 37-43 in his five years and the Texans had gotten pretty good at doing just enough in September to save his job. Immense amount of faith shown by ... more

<strong>5. Hiring of Wade Phillips</strong><br>
Despite some overblown though present shortcomings as a head coach, Son of Bum has improved the defense dramatically at every stop of a long career. less

<strong>5. Hiring of Wade Phillips</strong><br>
Despite some overblown though present shortcomings as a head coach, Son of Bum has improved the defense dramatically at every stop of a long ... more

<strong>4. McNair's moment </strong><br><br>It's almost impossible to imagine how sweet the playoff victory must have been for Texans owner Bob McNair. More on McNair's big day <a href="http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2012/01/a-special-day-for-texans-owner-bob-mcnair/">here.</a> less

<strong>4. McNair's moment </strong><br><br>It's almost impossible to imagine how sweet the playoff victory must have been for Texans owner Bob McNair. More on McNair's big day <a ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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<strong>3. T.J. Yates' drive clinches first playoff berth</strong><br>
Maybe the most memorable moment in franchise history as the rookie led the team 80 yards and finished with a 6-yard pass to Kevin Walter. <a href="http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2011/12/rookie-yates-throws-td-pass-in-final-seconds-as-texans-win-20-19-thriller/">Watch the amazing play.</a> less

<strong>3. T.J. Yates' drive clinches first playoff berth</strong><br>
Maybe the most memorable moment in franchise history as the rookie led the team 80 yards and finished with a 6-yard pass to Kevin Walter. ... more

<strong>2. The beginning of the end</strong><br>Jacoby Jones fumbled a first-quarter punt return, and it was scooped up by
Baltimore's Jimmy Smith to set up an easy score. The Ravens took a 7-3 lead on the play and went on to win the AFC divisional game 20-13. There were many other mistakes in the game for the Texans, but this one sticks out as one of the dumbest mistakes in team history. <a href="http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2012/01/jacoby-jones-didnt-do-blank-so-he-says-himself/">Watch the blunder.</a> less

<strong>2. The beginning of the end</strong><br>Jacoby Jones fumbled a first-quarter punt return, and it was scooped up by
Baltimore's Jimmy Smith to set up an easy score. The Ravens took a 7-3 lead on the ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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<strong>1. Watt a play!</strong><br><br>In the biggest game in franchise history, a rookie came up with the biggest play. Defensive end J.J. Watt's interception and return for a touchdown will be remembered for decades. The amazing play -- watch it <a href="http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2012/01/watts-touchdown-was-the-play-of-the-game-powered-texans/">here</a> -- gave the Texans the momentum en route to a 31-10 victory over Cincinnati in the first playoff game in team history. less

<strong>1. Watt a play!</strong><br><br>In the biggest game in franchise history, a rookie came up with the biggest play. Defensive end J.J. Watt's interception and return for a touchdown will be remembered ... more